Interventional Radiology — MCQs

Q: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is contraindicated in which of the following conditions?

Portal vein thrombosis. **Explanation:** **Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)** is an interventional procedure where a shunt is created between the hepatic vein and the portal vein to reduce portal hypertension. **Why Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) is the correct answer:** The success of a TIPS procedure depends on the ability to access and pass a wire through the portal vein to establish the shunt. In cases of **extensive or cavernous portal vein thrombosis**, the target vessel is either occluded or replaced by small collateral vessels, making the procedure technically impossible or highly hazardous. While partial PVT is sometimes managed by experienced interventionists, complete PVT remains a classic **absolute contraindication** in standard practice. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Post-shunt encephalopathy (A):** This is a common **complication** of TIPS, not a contraindication for the initial procedure. However, pre-existing severe hepatic encephalopathy is a relative contraindication. * **Cirrhosis (B):** Cirrhosis with portal hypertension is the **primary indication** for TIPS (specifically for refractory ascites or variceal bleeding). * **Variceal bleeding (D):** This is a **major indication** for TIPS, especially when bleeding is refractory to endoscopic management (Rescue TIPS). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Absolute Contraindications:** Severe congestive heart failure (R-sided), severe pulmonary hypertension, and multiple hepatic cysts/polycystic liver disease. * **Relative Contraindications:** Active systemic infection, severe coagulopathy, and rapidly progressing hepatoma. * **MELD Score:** A MELD score >18 is associated with higher mortality post-TIPS. * **Mechanism:** TIPS bypasses the liver parenchyma, effectively converting sinusoidal portal hypertension into a side-to-side portocaval shunt.

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